Foreigners Booking Train Tickets for Travel with Indian National

On my up-and-coming (first) India trip (2 weeks to go!) I am planning a trip from Chennai to Tiruvannamalai, and my friend Navin (and Indian National) will be accompanying us. I was reading that tourists can book train travel at major stations through the "Tourist Bureau".

I am just wondering how that will affect our travel plans (i.e. how do I ensure that we get a reservation with a seat next to my friend)? Will I be better just getting him to book 3 tickets? Is this possible (i.e. are there different fares for tourists)?

Also, anyone got an idea whether booking 4 weeks in advance will be likely to be sufficient time?

Thanks,

Scotttttt

Train fare would be the same for you and your indian friends.

If your friend is in India he can book all tickets from the nearest station. If Else you can book online from all over the country. When booking online then you must provide an Indial address where they will send the tickets, else you can collect them at the Tourist Bureau close to Delli air port.

When booking seet numbers will be given. generaly you'll be given consecative numbers, which are next to each other. Any way don't worry you can talk to fellow travellers and change seets if needed. Some time Ticket Inspecter might do it fot you, if you ask him nicely. 4 weeks would be enough, depending on the demand for that particular train...Better do it ASAP, because you can always get a refund (with a small deduction) in case you change your plans.

to see the availability of trains and online booking visit
http://www.indianrail.gov.in

Ask your indian friend to book your tickets. It's 100 times better than all these online booking and all from abroad.Your friend will be able to talk to reservation cleark to opt for suitable seats (next seats, window seats etc) or even able to take spot decisions on if reservation of a particular day/train is full etc. Direct counter booking is more iteractive and assured (no need to wait for the tickets to arrive etc) You may pay him later, if that is what your concern.

Thanks for the info guys, as I move into the parnoid phase of planning/packing I'm sure I'll have more questions for you all.

Cheers,

Scott

i want to purchase indrailpass 21 days ticket can my relative collect this ticket from india. copy of passport ,valid visa &cash payment in dollar will do

can i book or reservation by net